“I Don’t Know What the Doctor Will Say” – Pep Guardiola Confirms Injury Update Ahead of Manchester City vs Wolves

Pep Guardiola has provided a fresh update on Manchester City’s injury situation ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Premier League meeting with Wolves at the Etihad Stadium, as pressure continues to mount on the reigning champions.

City enter the fixture on the back of consecutive defeats against Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt, results that have intensified scrutiny on Guardiola’s side during a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures. With confidence shaken and defensive stability compromised, team selection has become one of the most delicate challenges of City’s season so far.

The midweek loss in Norway only amplified concerns, as extreme weather conditions and an artificial surface exposed City’s fragility, while Rodri’s dismissal underlined the fine margins currently working against Guardiola’s team.

That defeat also raised the stakes ahead of next week’s decisive UEFA Champions League clash against Galatasaray, where City must secure a positive result to guarantee automatic qualification for the last-16.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Guardiola confirmed that Matheus Nunes remains a doubt due to illness, while Nico Gonzalez is unlikely to feature against Wolves.

“Matheus [Nunes] still has the virus, I don’t know what the doctor will say this afternoon,” Guardiola revealed. “And Nico [Gonzalez], I don’t think so.”

Elsewhere, Guardiola confirmed that Marc Guehi is set to make his Manchester City debut in central defence following his £20 million move from Crystal Palace earlier this week, offering a rare positive amid mounting injury concerns.

City are now without up to eight first-team players, with Nunes and Gonzalez joining Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, and Savinho on the sidelines.

The potential absence of Gonzalez is particularly frustrating for Guardiola, given the midfielder’s importance during Rodri’s prolonged recovery from injury. Once again, the City boss is forced into reshuffling at a time when rhythm and consistency are already lacking.

However, the immediate introduction of Guehi into the starting line-up highlights Guardiola’s trust in the England international, whose arrival comes at a critical moment for a defence stretched to its limits.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s clash with Wolves now carries significance beyond three points. With injuries piling up, confidence fragile, and a crucial Champions League night on the horizon, Saturday’s performance could determine whether Guardiola’s side begin to steady their season or remain trapped in a damaging period of uncertainty.

FAQ

• Q: Is Matheus Nunes available to face Wolves?
  A: He remains doubtful due to illness, with Pep Guardiola awaiting a final medical decision.
• Q: Will Nico Gonzalez play against Wolves?
  A: Guardiola has indicated that Gonzalez is unlikely to be available.
• Q: Will Marc Guehi make his Manchester City debut?
  A: Yes. Guardiola confirmed the defender will start in central defence.
• Q: How many players are Manchester City missing?
  A: City could be without up to eight players due to injury and fitness issues.
• Q: Why is this Wolves match important for City?
  A: It is seen as a key opportunity to restore confidence ahead of a decisive Champions League fixture against Galatasaray.